1 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~November 14, 2008 כאן צוה ה’ את הברכה CommunityNewspaper

פרשת חיי שרה | כג' חשון , תשס”ט | בס”ד weekly vOL. Ii | NO 4 November 21, 2008 | cheshvan 23, 5769 WELCOME SHLUCHIM!

Page 3

Horav Hachossid OF CHEVRON Reb Aharon Zakon

pAGE 12

THE 'S SICHA TO THE SHLUCHIM PAGE 2

Beis Din of Crown Heights 390A Kingston Avenue, , NY Tel- 718~604~8000 Fax: 718~771~6000 A. Osdoba: ❖ Monday to Thursday 10:30AM - 11:30AM at 390A Kingston Ave. ☎Tel. 718-604-8000 ext.37 or 718-604-0770 Sunday-Thursday 9:30 PM-11:00PM ~Friday 2:30PM-4:30 PM ☎Tel. (718) - 771-8737 Rabbi Y. Heller is available daily 10:30 to 11:30am ~ 2:00pm to 3:00pm at 788 # 210 718~604~8827 ❖ & after 8:00pm 718~756~4632 Rabbi Y. Schwei, 4:00pm to 9:00pm ❖ 718~604~8000 ext 36 Rabbi Y. Raitport is available by appointment. ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 39 ☎ Rabbi Y. Zirkind: 718~604~8000 ext 39 Erev Shabbos Motzoei Shabbos Rabbi S. Segal: ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 39 ❖ Sun ~Thu 5:30pm -9:00pm or ☎718 -360-7110 Rabbi Bluming is available Sunday - Thursday, 3 -4:00pm at 472 Malebone St. ☎ 718 - 778-1679 Rabbi Y. Osdoba ☎718~604~8000 ext 38 ❖ Sun~Thu: 10:0am -11:30am ~ Fri 10:am - 1:00 pm or 4:16 5:17 ☎ 718 -604-0770 Gut Shabbos Rabbi S. Chirik: ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 38 ❖ Sun~Thu: 5:00pm to 9:00pm 2 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~November 14, 2008

The Vaad Hakohol

REBBE'S STORY “When one tells a story about his Rebbe he connects to the deeds of the Rebbe” (Sichos 1941 pg. 68) Dr. Ruth Benjamin’s Yechidus with the Rebbe This is a Yechidus of the Rebbe with ter from someone who was questioning Ruth: I can still be a psychologist with- Rebbe: Tell him he is part of G-d’s world Dr. Ruth Benjamin, Johannesburg, the value and meaning of life. out a doctorate. It would just mean that and he has a responsibility to Him. S.A. The Yechidus took place in Sivan I cannot call myself “Dr. Benjamin.” Is After the Yechidus, I wrote down Ruth: Do we a have responsibility to 1972. www.Portraitofaleader.blog- that important? everything I could remember, almost the non-Jew? spot.com. in the form of the script of a play. This Rebbe: It is important for prestige. Rebbe: We have a responsibility to the “In Sivan 1972 I had my firstY echidus was a long time ago and today I would Ruth: Isn’t prestige a bad sort of Jew first and then to the non-Jew. (private audience) with the Rebbe. I not address the Rebbe so casually. I am motivation? took my daughter, Devorah Chana, with sure I have not recorded the Rebbe’s The Rebbe then picked up on the me. In advance, I had written theR ebbe, exact words, or mine for that matter. Rebbe: I mean prestige for Yiddishkeit. problem of suicide: a somewhat lengthy note. Someone had However, this was written immediately If you have a doctorate and a woman Suicide is exactly the same as murder. told me I could only write one page, so afterwards (at around 5 a.m. after a comes to you and you tell her about Our bodies do not belong to us. We can- I had written everything on one legal- night of not sleeping) and I have stayed Taharat Hamishpacha [Jewish laws of not do what we like with them. They are size page in tiny, block lettered printing with most of what I have put down as it married life], she will listen to you. not ours. Get them to understand this. it was so small that the Rebbe took a is probably the most authentic. On the question of non-Jewish patients, We cannot even hurt our own bodies in magnifying glass to read it. Rebbe: Complete your thesis. It is the Rebbe said something to this any way. TheR ebbe then spoke about There were many matters about which already 90% finished. effect: the person [whose letter I had brought I wanted to ask the Rebbe. I was busy to him] who was questioning the worth Ruth: Shall I do a doctorate? What “They have seven laws. Lead them to with my master’s thesis on the psychol- of life. TheR ebbe said that I should tell about on Taharat Hamishpacha? It is these laws, to all of them. This is part of ogy of and had sent the Rebbe such people that they have a double duty psychologically brilliant, of course... our duty.” TheR ebbe then enumerated a copy what I had written to date. I to perform after the last war when so the Laws. also asked if I should continue, with Rebbe: Do your doctorate, but not in many were murdered. They had to my doctorate completing my master’s religion and not in philosophy. Ruth: These people need something. live not only for themselves but for all thesis. My husband was a psychiatrist One man tried to commit suicide a of these. They must live to draw people Ruth: Not in religion? and I, a clinical psychologist and we couple of times and came to my office. to Judaism. In doing this they will find saw many non-Jewish patients. I asked Rebbe: Neither in philosophy. Don’t I got him to the hospital in time. He their own turmoil will pass away. The the Rebbe if we should encourage them study apikorsis (heresy). Don’t study then came to me and said: “You are Rebbe made sure that I would convey towards Christianity or should we let apikorsis as it will lead others to study responsible for my being alive. Now this message. TheR ebbe ended with a them build up their faith in G-d within apikorsis. Do it in something else. You give me something to live for.” blessing saying that he was waiting for themselves. I had also brought in a let- need it to help you in your work. the rest of my thesis.”

and the International Conference of is the soul, but the service of the soul Rebbe’s Sicha to the Shluchim Shluchim. Similarly, there is a con- must be directed towards reaching that nection to the reading of the ultimate era when the prominence of 27th of Cheshvan, 5752 itself implies that the Jews are given previous week, Parshas , the body will be revealed. prominence. which describes the shlichus on which Published and copyright © by Sichos The name of this week’s Torah reading E liezer, Avraham’s servant, was sent. In English Herein, there is a connection to the raises a difficulty: Just as this portion service of every Jew as reflected in the In the course of carrying out this begins with the phrase “These are the We are taught “Open with blessing,” narrative of Yaakov and Esav related in shlichus, Eliezer made a statement that toldos (‘chronicles’) of Yitzchak,” we and, indeed, the Torah itself follows our Torah reading. Esav was the first- reflects the purpose of the mission of find that Parshas begins with this pattern, beginning with the letter born and, as explained in Chassidus, every Jew, “I am Avraham’s servant.” the phrase, “These are the toldos of Beis which is associated with the word shares a connection with the lights of “I am,” Anochi in Hebrew is a refer- Noach.” On the surface, since Parshas Berachah. the realm of Tohu which transcend ence to the Giving of the Torah, for Noach comes before Parshas Toldos, Furthermore, the first word of the the realm of Tikkun, (the latter being the Ten Commandments begin with it would seem proper that it be given Torah, Bereishis, can be broken up associated with Yaakov). Nevertheless, that word. the name Toldos and Parshas Toldos into Bais Reishis, two firsts, refer- the fact that these lights are alluded to be called Yitzchak. Similarly, the expression “Avraham’s ring to the Torah and the Jewish in the Torah indicates that the intent is servant” refers to the Jewish people’s This concept can be explained in a people. Among these two, the Jewish that these lights of Tohu will ultimately role as being G-d’s servants as reflected manner which relates to the spiritual people are given primacy, for as the be enclothed in the vessels of Tikkun. in the promise “When you take the service of every Jew and more particu- Tana d’Bei Eliyahu states the Torah This ultimate level is not revealed at people out of Egypt, you will serve G-d larly, to a Jew’s spiritual service as it is present in the time of exile, but will on this mountain.” TheA riZal explains reflected within his material activities. Newspaper be revealed in the Era of the Redemp- that the service associated with the Toldos also means “progeny” and in Community tion. It is, however, possible to achieve exodus from Egypt and the giving of an extended sense refers to our good a foretaste of this at present in one’s the Torah began with Avraham. Thus deeds, for our Sages declared, “The 392 Kingston Avenue individual life, redemption in one’s the term “Avraham’s servant” implies a essential progeny of a Tzaddik are his Brooklyn, NY 11225 personal sphere. And the experience of dedication to carrying out the service good deeds.” Noach is associated with [email protected] such a revelation on a personal level will mentioned above. rest and pleasure. Thus the order of the Published & edited weekly by the Vaad Hakohol hasten the time when in a total sense, parshiyos teaches us that before a Jew The purpose of Eliezer’s mission, the of Crown Heights. the lights of Tohu will be enclothed in begins his service (Toldos), he receives marriage of Yitzchak and Rivkah, is , Rosh Hakohol the vessels of Tikkun in the Era of the an assurance of G-d’s generosity and also relevant to every Jew, for it reflects Dr. Tzvi (Harvey) Lang, Chairman Redemption. kindness (Noach). Since he is G-d’s Rabbi Plotkin, Secretary the unity of the body and the soul. servant, at the outset he is promised Layout: SimplyUnique ([email protected]) This represents the purpose of a Jew’s Through their union, each one of these a full measure of both spiritual and All material in this paper has been copyrighted. It service and his mission, shlichus, in two reaches its ultimate perfection; i.e., is the exclusive property of this newspaper, unless material rest and pleasure. otherwise attributed., and cannot be reproduced this world, to draw down the lights of the ultimate perfection of the soul is without the consent of the publisher. Tohu into the vessels of Tikkun and when it is enclothed in the body and the This relates to Toldos, our performance Composition responsibility: This newspaper will not thus transform the world into a dwelling ultimate perfection of the body is when of good deeds. For as the Rambam be liable for errors appearing in advertising, beyond for G-d. Every Jew has the potential to it is granted vitality by the soul. relates, the reward we receive for our the cost of the space occupied by the error. Advertiser carry out this service and he can make Torah observance is granted to allow us assumes responsibility for errors in telephone orders. In the Era of the Redemption, the body All advertisement designed and prepared by the CH this potential an actual reality. to continue and enhance that service. will be given prominence over the soul Community Newspaper are the property of the Moreover, G-d has structured the world newspaper and cannot be reproduced without the The above reflects the connection and the soul will derive its nurture from consent of the publisher between this week’s Torah portion the body. At present, the essential factor Continued on Page 5 November 14, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 3

The Rebbe's Sicha Parshas Chaye Sara

IN FULL PAYMENT referred to it as “Aravna’s Barn.” The toil. (Years later he expressed regret, (4) on Genesis 23:4; See also ibid. transfer was due entirely to Aravna’s declaring: “I could have accepted the Chizkooni, L’voosh Reprinted from A Thought For the graciousness, not at all to ’s effort. Bracha and reached a certain level of Week Ha’Ora and Sifsay Chachomim David therefore insisted on paying the scholarship. I could then have utilized By Rabbi YM Kagan OBM full worth, so that his ownership would my own efforts to succeed in Torah (5) Note: Adam and Eve were already be total, clear. beyond that level.”) Menachem Mendel buried there. and Sarah, Following the passing of his wife Sarah, later became the third leader of Chabad- and Rebekah, and and Leah were Abraham sought to buy the Cave of Abraham, like David, could have taken Lubavitch, and was a Torah-scholar of eventually laid to rest there; Eruvin Machpelah from the Hittites as a burial the cave without payment.(4) Abraham prodigious genius. 53a. place for her. Saying to Abraham that refrained from this course of action, he was a “prince of G-d” to them, the refusing to accept the property as a REFERENCES: (6) See Rashi on Genesis 23:10 and on Hittites offered to give him, free, the gift, so that the burial-place where he Deuteronomy 13:5 Based on excerpts of a Sicha of Chaye best of their burial-plots. Abraham and Sarah and the other fathers and Sarah 5729 (7) Rabbi Schneur Zalman of , demurred; and he spoke to them mothers of our people were to lie(5) 1745-1812 saying: If you desire to bury my dead would retain no nuance of connection (1) Genesis 23:8,9 from before me, then listen to me and to the previous owner. (8) Known later as the Tzemach Tzedek, (2) Chronicles I 21:22-25 request on my behalf from Efron the son 1789-1866 Abraham and David wanted no gifts. of Tsochar; (and) let him give me his (3) Samuel II 24:23 - They would earn, pay for whatever they Cave of Machpelah that is at the edge of received. the field; for its full worth let him give it to me amongst you as a permanent The expression “full payment” aptly CROWN HEIGHTS WOMEN ONEG SHABBOS inheritance of a burial -plot ‘(1) describes all of Abraham’s good endeav- ors, especially his kindness and charity Rashi comments that Abraham’s refusal Group (6) — and should serve as a true indica- to accept the burial place as a gift, tion and guide to our own conduct. and his insistence on paying in full, is When: 23rd of Cheshvan 5769 Parshas Chayei Every person is endowed with talents, paralleled by a similar attitude adopted Sara – Shabbos Mevorchim Kislev capabilities, with the potential for by King David centuries later. David achievement. We must not be satisfied Friday evening – November 21st, 2008 wanted to buy the threshing-barn of with those accomplishments that “come Aravna the Jebusite in as easy,” the “expenseless offering.” We 8:30 p.m. the site for the future Bais Hamikdosh must invest full effort, “full payment,” (the sanctuary). Aravna immediately Where: Mrs. Shaindy Gutnick 829 Montgomery and develop our spiritual potential to offered to give the barn free to the (Between Albany & Troy Avenues-Prvt Hse) the utmost. Street King — but David insisted on paying its full worth, “for I will not take that The Alter Rebbe once wanted to give Speaker: RABBI MENACHEM M. GLUCKOWSKY which is yours for G-d, nor bring an his grandson, Manchem Mendel,(8) a expenseless offering.” I2) Bracha (blessing) for success in Torah- Rabbi Chabad Community of Rechovot - study. The boy declined the offer. He Had Aravna given the barn, there would Vice Chairman Vaad Rabonai Chabad maintained that Torah-scholarship, have been a taint of Aravna’s ownership like all other religious achievements, clinging to it; people would still have must be paid for “in full” with one’s own Mazal Tov! Adapted from Shmais.com Upshernish Engagements (Forest Hills, NY) to - New Haven, CT Yossi Lewis - Old Tappan, NJ Mimi Notik (Seattle, WA) Isser Boyarsky (, ) Eli & Chanie Rosenbluh - C H Bar to Rivky Hahn (Morristown, NJ) Boruch Lowenbein (Bklyn, NY) to Yitzchak Gedalya Borbely Sarah Baila Frommer (Bklyn, NY) Births – Girls Meir Chaikin (Cleveland, OH) to – Monsey, NY Moshe & Michal Carlebach Mushka Rosenfeld (Montreal, CA) Levi Raskin (Montreal, Canada) to - , CA Mendy Harlig - Las Vegas, NV Itta Gurary C( rown Heights) Mordechai Greenberg (C H) to Yechezkel & Michal Elkins Yecheskel Nesher - , AP Chana Reinitz (Emanuel, Israel) Births – Boys – , IL Mendel Silverman - Pittsburgh, AP Akiva Isenberg (Morristown, NJ) Eyal & Goldie Bension - C H Mickey & Chani Ettelson - C H to Leora November (Pittsburgh / Aryeh & Ora Malka Goodman - Silver Spring, MD) Zunnie & Naomi Greenbaum - C H East Brunswick, NJ Levi Karp (Crown Heights) to Shimon Mendel & Dena Aryella Mendy & Hindy Greenberg - C H Chanale Sperlin (Montreal, Canada) Greenspan - Chashmonayim, Israel Yehuda & Shaina Rivka Sholom Schochet (, ) Yudi & Rivki Mann – Oak Park, MI Kamman - C H to Goldie Engel (Denver, CO) Yosef Shmuel & Sara Moscowitz Herschel & Nechamie Kessler - C H Yossi Smetana (Montreal, Canada) to - Chicago, IL Soochie Sabol (Greenfield Park, NY) Leibel & Sara Krinsky - C H Mendy & Shulamit Pellin - C H Weddings Yonason D. & Chaya Reinitz

READ THE CROWN HEIGHTS COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AT CROWNHEIGHTS.INFO 4 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~November 14, 2008 Our Heroes

Horav Hachossid Reb Aharon Zakon 1930-2002 were Reform That year (1962), Reb Aharon heard and there was of a school in Queens established by By Rabbi Michoel Seligson no mechitza. a group of Jews who, although raised Hachossid Reb Aharon was born in Th e R e b b e in observant homes, wished to lead a 1930 on the 29th of Kislev in instructed the more modern lifestyle. They hired a to Reb Yitzchok and Mrs. Zakon. rabbi to erect a rabbi, whose father was a graduate of In 1942, because of wartime condi- mechitza in his Yitzchok Elchonon, Yeshivah tions the family moved to Tashkent shul. He had University and davened without a in Uzbekistan. Many distinguished no idea how mechitza in the home of one of the Chabad chassidim resided there. Their to implement members. davening and Chassidishe this. Reb Aha- The rabbi directed the shul’s school made a deep and lifelong impression on ron explained for many years and had a non-Jewish the young Aharon. that his pri- secretary. There were three classes, with mary difficulty At that time, an appeal was made on no mechitza and the classed were held would be his behalf of the RaMaSh’s father, Reb after public school. Basic concepts in congregants’ Levik, who had been exiled by the Judaism were taught. acceptance of Russians for his activities spreading the mechitza, Reb Aharon heard that the school Yiddishkeit. Reb Yitzchok Zakon but he should needed a teacher. He called the rabbi contributed a significant sum. When not be deterred. and told him that he was available for the RaMaSh met the Zakon family in Reb Aharon the upcoming school year. Reb Aharon in 1947, Reb Yitzchok told his told the rabbi was among the small group of men family members not to say anything to what had hap- who wore beards. In America in those the RaMaSh about the money in order pened in his years, wearing a beard immediately not to receive any special recognition. school with disqualified one from many positions. A branch of the mechitza. Often while attempting to find work, was established in Tashkent. Aharon Rabbi Hodokov R eb Aharon found doors closed to him. studied there and heard shiurim from later followed The rabbi replied that he personally did distinguished chassidim such as Reb up with Reb not mind the beard, but the members Yisroel Neveller, Reb Yona Poltover Yonkers School Aharon as to of the community would. Reb Aharon and Reb Zalman Leib Astulin. Outside what he had discussed with the rabbi. wrote about this to the Rebbe and Reb Aharon learned of a Jewish school the building, someone would stand on received a blessing. in Yonkers with a very difficult class. The children would bentch accompa- guard watching for the KGB. This class was so difficult that their nied by a non-Jewish staff member.R eb After a short while,R eb Aharon called In 1946 the Zakon family successfully teacher had just given notice, after Aharon tried to convince the principal the rabbi and was told that they still left and eventually came to the unsuccessfully attempting to man- to change this practice, but his words needed a teacher. Reb Aharon advised . Reb Aharon merited to age them. Reb Aharon went to the fell on deaf ears. A group of people the rabbi to call a board meeting to enter into Yechidus with the previous school and applied for the job. He was approached the staffer and explained discuss the matter and recount how he Rebbe in Elul, 1947. In the mid-1950’s accepted, although he was not fully the situation. She was respectful and had found a teacher, and weave into the Reb Aharon married Miss Sima Matlin, fluent in Hebrew, and taught during stopped coming to the lunch room. conversation the fact that Reb Aharon may she live and be well. During the the morning hours. After two days, the principal asked her had a beard. He agreed. summer of 1959, Reb Aharon moved why she wasn’t coming. She replied that A letter fromR abbi Moshe Feinstein was A few days later, the secretary scheduled to with his family and pur- she did not want the children to commit released at that time, permitting teach- a meeting between Reb Aharon and chased a home on Lincoln Place. a sin because of her. ers to work in conservative schools. The the members of the board. They began In 1961, Rabbi Avrohom Shemtov schools were not associated with the Camp Emuna questioning him. Would he tell their moved to Philadelphia where he is cur- , where it was forbidden to children that it was forbidden to drive During the summer of 1960, Reb rently on Shlichus. Prior to his move, daven. Reb Aharon understood that it on Shabbos? That it was forbidden Aharon worked in Camp Emuna. That the Rebbe instructed him to consult was permissible for him to teach in the to eat non-Kosher food? Would Reb summer, the Rebbe visited Camp Gan with Reb Aharon about the state of Yonkers School. Aharon daven in their Shul without a Israel and Camp Emuna. Reb Aharon affairs in Philadelphia. mechitza? The school was co-ed and the principal, went to Gan Israel to see the Rebbe. East New York Torah although from a religious background, When Reb Aharon discovered that the Reb Aharon tried to answer wisely. was very modern. Since learning Rebbe would also visit Camp Emuna, he He wanted them to hire him, but he Reb Aharon had a unique talent in Hebrew was the school’s priority, the quickly returned to Camp Emuna. Reb could not lie. Regarding davening in a chinuch and dedicated his life to it. Conservative approach of teaching Aharon came just a few minutes before shul without a mechitza, Reb Aharon He also initiated new projects on his the alef-bais was used. The letters and the Rebbe, and informed everyone that explained that he was just coming to own. vowels were taught together rather than the Rebbe was coming. teach for two hours a day, not to daven. Reb Aharon applied for a position as a separately. In regards to Shabbos and Kashrus, he The summer of 1961, Reb Aharon trav- teacher in a Talmud Torah in East New told them that he was there to teach As time passed, the principal saw that eled to resort towns in the mountains to York. It served public school children Yiddishkeit, not what to do at home. Reb Aharon had gained control of the teach children and reported his activi- who wished to learn more about Yid- However, as an observant Jew he didn’t class. Reb Aharon then asked him to ties to the Rebbe. At a on dishkeit and prepare for their Bar drive on Shabbos or eat non-Kosher place the boys and girls on two separate Shabbos Mevorchim Menachem Av, the Mitzvah. The principal was a conserva- food. Reb Aharon explained that his sides of the classroom so they would not Rebbe related that many people went tive Jew and Reb Aharon, with a beard, goal was not to cause an upheaval. As mingle. Reb Aharon brought a mechitza to the mountains during the summer, was clearly a religious Jew. Reb Aharon he was speaking, he was sure that he to separate them. One day, the principal but only one person wrote to him about was surprised to be hired instantly. He would not get the position. came in and saw the mechitza. He stood spreading Yiddishkeit in the country. assumed that they were most likely in at the entrance wondering why it was Two weeks later, the secretary called desperate need of a teacher to manage The Rockwood Park Jewish Center there, and asked the children what him and instructed him to call the rabbi. this mischievous class. In order to be in Queens it was. In all innocence, the children Reb Aharon was convinced that he had a Hebrew Studies teacher, Reb Aharon replied that it was a mechitza. In 1962, Reb Aharon began teaching nothing to call for. He was informed the needed a certificate from Rabbonim. at Yeshivas Lubavitch Achei Tmimim position was his. Reb Aharon obtained one and began In another instance, a rabbi from Phila- in the Bronx which was run by Rabbi teaching two hours every afternoon delphia came to have a Yechidus with the On another occasion, Reb Aharon was Mordechai Dov Altein. Reb Aharon and was successfully able to control the Rebbe. The rabbi wasS homer Shabbos asked about davening in a shul without worked there for the next fourteen class despite their rowdiness. but modern. The members of his shul a mechitza. Reb Aharon asked everyone years. how much they spent on their suits. One November 14, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 5

person quoted a hefty sum.R eb Aharon church. Reb Aharon didn’t know what radio was a waste of time and made no downhearted. The Jew explained that asked him why he had purchased such to do. Should he give the Rebbe’s letter impression on life. Only Yiddishkeit the Georgian had come to America via an expensive suit. Reb Aharon’s suit to the rabbi to read aloud or not. He was eternal. Israel, and was carrying five-thousand had cost him a fraction of the price. He tried to call Rabbi Hodokov for advice, dollars which a customs official had With time, the community and the answered that he could afford it. With but Reb Aharon was unable to get confiscated. The Georgian was upset number of students grew. Reb Aharon that, Reb Aharon responded that he through to him. Reb Aharon finally and crying. He asked Reb Aharon to helped them find additional teachers, could afford to daven in a shul that was decided to hand the Rebbe’s letter to the help him. Reb Aharon assured him that members of Anash. 100% Kosher. rabbi the next day. When Reb Aharon everything would be fine, and arranged told Rabbi Hodokov about his decision, After a while, the rabbi left the Shul. to meet him the next day. Reb Aharon did not feel that he was he understood from his response that The rabbi who replaced him would accomplishing anything with the Reb Aharon accompanied the Georgian he had acted correctly. correspond with the Rebbe. When students in Queens. He consulted the Jew to the customs offices. They were he had difficulties with the members Rebbe and was advised that he should Respect for Lubavitch sent from department to department, of the shul, he wrote to the Rebbe for continue to teach there and that Reb until they reached the responsible On one occasion, Reb Aharon brought advice. The Rebbe responded that a Aharon would gather the fruits of his official. Reb Aharon explained that a the baalei batim to the Rebbe’s Farbren- soldier on the front line can never leave labor. great injustice had been done, and that gen and they met the Rebbe between the forces. they were justifiably upset. The official Reb Aharon taught there for more the Sichos. Establishing the Bronx Youth said that he would return the money then ten years, and had a very good One of the Baalei Batim was an elderly Movement in a few days. Reb Aharon responded relationship with the baalei batim. Jew, respected in the community. He that this was not possible. The money There was a mezuzah on the doorpost During the years that Reb Aharon was one of founders of the congregation was needed immediately. Reb Aharon of his classroom, and he started a tzitzis taught in Yeshivas Lubavitch Achei and was more G-d fearing than the oth- then took out his stationery which listed club. Students could come and put Hatmimim of the Bronx, he helped ers. The community had once honored him as the rabbi of the Bronx Youth on tzitzis, and many children joined. the yeshiva in many ways. He also him and purchased a ticket to Israel for Movement. Reb Aharon threatened to In 1973 when the Rebbe encouraged founded a group called the Bronx Youth him. Upon his return, they all wanted place some telephone calls if the money the establishment of Jewish libraries Movement, something that was of use to hear about his experiences there. He wasn’t returned instantly. Influential everywhere, Reb Aharon opened a to him later. told them that he had received a lot of people from the Bronx would cause Jewish library as well. respect. He related that when he was Reb Aharon’s Threat to the Customs problems. The official became fright- Reb Aharon’s class once participated questioned as to which group in New Agent ened and shortly after he returned the in the Rebbe’s Farbrengen. TheR ebbe York he was from, he had responded money. Reb Aharon once encountered an spoke about the chinuch of children, that he was from Lubavitch. The only older, white-bearded Jew sitting with To be continued Next week and instructed that the talk be pub- encounter he had with Lubavitch was a Georgian Jew who appeared very licized to children. The next day Reb when he had come to the Rebbe’s Aharon reviewed the Rebbe’s words Farbrengen. From that one meeting, with his students. The following day he he already prided himself on his con- asked them if they had understood what nection to Lubavitch. When he spoke he had told them a day earlier, and they enthusiastically about the honor he had Rebbe’s Sicha to the Shluchim Continued from Page 2 answered in the affirmative. The class received because of his association with tzedakah and also a Torah text, a teach- later wrote to the Rebbe, and received Lubavitch, it was a Kiddush Hashem in a manner in which He “requires” the ing of P’nimiyus HaTorah as amplified a letter in return. and spread the name of Lubavitch. Jews’ good deeds as it were. Just as the through the teachings of the Chabad Jews require the influence which G-d Rebbeim. For both tzedakah and the As time went by, the Queens commu- Bringing Children to the Rebbe’s grants them, G-d “requires” as it were, study of P’nimiyus HaTorah will hasten nity grew, and more classes were added Farbrengen the service performed by the Jewish the coming of the Era of the Redemp- to the school. A permanent shul was On another occasion, Reb Aharon people. And through this service, a Jew tion. This is the responsibility of every built as well. When the building was brought the oldest class of fourteen- becomes G-d’s partner in creation. Jew. It is not enough to wait anxiously, completed, they hosted an extravagant year-olds to the Rebbe’s Farbrengen. knowing that surely Moshiach will dinner to celebrate. Reb Aharon was And the ultimate result of this partner- Although they did not understand come; each person must do his part to invited to the affair and found that the ship, the dwelling for G-d established Yiddish, they stayed for the entire hasten his coming. new shul had a mechitza. in this material world, represents an Farbrengen. The next day when they expression of the essence of G-d -- for Together with this, an object of food, At times, the rabbi of the shul wrote to were asked what had captivated them it is only G-d’s essence that can create a piece of lekach, “cake,” will also be the Rebbe and even visited the Rebbe at the Farbrengen, they revealed their material existence -- and the essence distributed. It is customary to give such on one occasion. He wrote to the Rebbe amazement. When the Chassidim were of the Jewish soul, for it is through cake to a child when he begins his study about the building of the shul and its singing, and the Rebbe motioned with the enclothement of the soul in the of the Torah. When a child is three, he inaugural dinner. The Rebbe sent a his hands, even the walls danced! It was body that the essence of the soul is recites a possuk while standing next letter addressed to the dinner attendees apparent that the Rebbe could influence revealed. to a Torah scroll, and then he is given to be delivered personally to the rabbi the inanimate. a piece of cake. by Reb Aharon. This should be reflected in the activi- The non-Jewish secretary at school had ties motivated by the International The Torah is also called lekach as in the When Reb Aharon arrived, he learned picked up quite a bit about Judaism. Conference of Shluchim. Every Shliach verse “I gave you good teaching” (lekach that one of the shul members had She considered Reb Aharon more of a should be motivated to proceed to tov). In an ultimate sense, this refers to invited the priest from a neighboring rabbi than the shul’s rabbi. She would further activities. Despite all his posi- “The new [dimensions of the] Torah occasionally ask tive achievements in the past, he should which will emerge from Me.” “One man R eb Aharon if the strive toward greater heights in the will not teach another, for they will all rabbi’s actions were future. Indeed, this is human nature; know Me,” i.e., G-d Himself will reveal halachically cor- “a person who possesses one hundred Torah -- both Torah law and P’nimiyus rect. Reb Aharon desires two hundred and one who HaTorah -- to every Jew. May this take never criticized the possesses two hundred desires four place in the immediate future, on this rabbi. hundred.” very night, even before we can proceed At one particular to any other activities This gathering will be concluded by meeting with the distributing money to be given to parents, Reb Aha- ron spoke about Yiddishkeit. He explained to the parents that read- shidduchim101.blogspot.com ing newspapers and listening to the 6 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~November 14, 2008 Shidduchim

A Needle in a Haystack he was learning. wronged the tailor and how shab- bily the town had treated him, he A few days later examining the record By Sarah Junik answered then strengthen yourself and immediately set out to try and book of the Gmach he noticed that daven again. repair his error. We all know the Maamar Chazal: Hakol the tailor had not repaid the loan, but B’Yedei Shamayim, Chutz MeYiras Some people believe in Segulas and thought to give him a few extra days. He went to the shop, but that was Shamayim. many don’t. Saying Tehilim never did When time passed and the tailor did not closed, so he went to the tailors any harm, so I have heard recently that make his appearance, Rabbi Shtrashun house but it was shuttered. Finally We all know it but do we really internal- the following perokim of Tehilim are called the tailor to him and asked for he found out that the tailor had ize it? appropriate for Shidduchim: 32, 38, 70, the money to be repaid as per the terms taken his family and moved away Especially when it comes to shidduchim 71, 124, and 119 spelling out one’s own of the loan. when his business failed and no we sometimes feel that we are running name and mothers name. one would even talk to him. Reb Zalman was astonished! He had around like chickens without heads and All this helps especially when we do it repaid the debt, in fact he had handed Rabbi Shtrashun went to find the nothing gets accomplished. with Kavono and not just to be Yotze. the whole amount to the Rav in this very tailor and when he found him We are afraid because our son is in Try to continue the search for a shid- study just two short weeks previously apologized profusely and begged ______(fill in the city) helping duch in its third year with the same on the day the loan was due! him to come back to town. a shliach, and he is not sitting in 770, drive as you had in the first year. But the Rashash pointed to his record He, Rabbi Shtrashun would tell he might not be available to go out, or Hashem will turn worlds for shid- book, there was no entry of a pay- the townspeople about his own he might be overlooked. duchim to happen. Listening to stories ment and he was very scrupulous in mistake, that the tailor had been Or we worry that our daughter although of how people met is a lesson in hashga- his entries, therefore if there was no right and himself wrong, that he at the right age tells us she is not inter- cha protis. Everyone has a story. notation, there could have been no had repaid the money on time, ested to hear about shidduchim. Or payment. that there was no reason to suspect A very interesting one which I have even more, maybe there is a minor the tailor of wrongdoing. But Reb heard is the following: So the two went to Beis Din. The Beis problem in our family, so minor we do Zalman told the Rashash that the Din decided that as it was one person’s not consider it much of a problem at TheR ashash (Rabbi Shmuel Shtrashun apology was well and good but it word against the other and there were all, but what if we won’t find a match of Vilna, 1794-1872) was known for his would not help his now defunct no witnesses to the money’s return, because of it? great Torah erudition and great wealth. business and it certainly would if the tailor would swear that he had He also administered a Gmach, and was not change anyone's mind as to Hakol B’Yedei Shamayim. I think it returned the money the matter would his honesty or lack thereof his should become everyone’s mantra. rest there. reputation was gone. The important thing is daven daven Reb Zalman All his protestations would cer- daven. If things are not working out the w a s re a d y tainly fall on deaf ears, the towns- way they should or if we seem stuck, or to swear to people would just believe that the if our young man or woman are already the money’s Rashash was making up a story out older and nothing has come through, return but the of the goodness of his own heart and we have truly put all our effort in Rashash was having felt bad for the tailor. They it, well lets daven some more. We as worried that would certainly not change their parents have to daven for our children this simple minds or their hearts toward Reb and they have to daven for themselves. Jew wou ld Zalman. Zeidy Berl Junik A”H used to say all the swear falsely The Rashash realized that Reb children and grandchildren’s Kapitlach so he told the Zalman was right.He understood every day, and Bubby does too. When Beis Din that human nature and saw that the my Chanie was small, he told me to say he was satis- townspeople would indeed not her Kapitel every day, it would help with fied without believe the protestations of the all the little “kleine zorgen” and later the swearing. Rav. What to do? with the "greise zorgen" too. Immediately, After some deep thought the Anytime we go to the we should as it's wont, Rashash asked the tailor if he had daven there for a shidduch for our rumors flew a son of marriageable age. Indeed, children which a full heart and as much around town: the tailor did, a good a bright boy, concentration as we can. Reb Zalman but he had been wondering how he t h e t a i l o r In Shmone Esre (some say by Shema would ever find a shidduch after had bor- Koleinu) we should daven for a shid- all the bad gossip about the family rowed from duch for our children. We should be and the kind of name they had in the Gmach very clear in our request and what we the countryside. Besides with his and then not are looking for. We want a boy with business basically destroyed he paid it back. yirash shamayim, a girl with middos. could not even afford to marry Rabbi Shmuel ben Yosef Shtrashun of Vilna, He had made We wish for a husband that will be a him off. up a story good father and build a bais neeman of having TheR ashash then explained how with our daughter, and we want a wife very meticulous in keeping records of returnedthe money. he had the perfect solution: Reb that will teach the children by her all transactions. Zaman’s son would marry the example and help our son do what he Sentiment escalated against the poor One day Reb Zalman, a tailor, came to daughter of the Rashash and then is meant to do in life. tailor, and shortly he found himself Rabbi Shtrashun to borrow money from the townspeople would certainly shunned and his business destroyed. Before lighting candles after giving his Gmach. His loan was for a year and realize that if Rabbi Shtrashun’s Tzedokah we should ask for a shidduch on the day that the loan was due, Reb M onths later the Rashash took down daughter married into the tailor’s for our children. Zalman presented himself with the the Gemorah he had been learning family the rumors had to be false money at the Rashash’s door. that fateful day and found the money. and that the Rashash’s explana- We should give Tzedokah to organi- He thought and thought how did this tion of the missing money had to zations like Keren Simcha Chosson The Rashash was involved in a Sugya money come to be in such a place? He be true. V’Kallah or Ten Yad that help families and did not wish to be disturbed, but counted it and recounted it, and then make chassenes. The young men and as it was the due date for his loan the And so it was the tailor son mar- he checked his records and realized this women themselves should daven for tailor approached the table and gave ried the daughter of the wealthy was the money the tailor, Reb Zalman themseves and one another. the money to the Rav. The Rashash, and leaned Rashash which would had protested over and over that he still thinking on what he was learning, certainly not have come about We say: Kave el Hashem, chazak had returned. absentmindedly took the money and otherwise. veyaametz libecha, vekave el Hashem. put it in the back of the Gemorah that Knowing how grievously he had Daven to Hashem and if you were not Hakol B’Yedei Shamayim. November 14, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 7 A Rabbi’s Northern Adventure

From the Heights of Alaska to the Golan Heights praise go to one’s head, and especially not over basketball, but my strategy Reprinted with special permission many Jewish parents preferred sending to accept his departure from the team. worked. Akiva was on the map. If by the author and Merkos L'Inyonei their children to non-Jewish schools for True to his word, he quit, but already you talked about basketball in Dallas, Chinuch the simple reason that Akiva’s sports by the second game of the season, after you had to mention the Jews.We were program was back in the Middle Ages. our first dramatic victory in front of “in.” If you were looking for a good By Rabbi Yisrael Haber In sports-minded Dallas, if you didn’t hundreds of screaming fans, he was education and good basketball, Akiva BASKETBALL have a winning team, you weren’t on back—this time with a kippah fastened was the address. Jewish kids no longer COACH the map. securely onto his head. had to enroll in non-Jewish schools. There was a choice. Now when I sat In 1972, I married Even though phys-ed was a regular I don’t know if he was inspired to return down with a prospective family, I had my wife Miriam. We part of the school’s eight-hour day, no because he came to understand the a winning season to sell.Within two celebrated our “hon- champion athletes ever graduated from importance of standing up for what weeks of the championship, nine Jew- eymoon” in a most Akiva. The educational emphasis was you believe in, or because our victory ish families called the school office to original fashion—a on the academic in the first game of the season created enroll children for the following year. week after our wed- a city-wide stir. Similarly, I wasn’t sure learning, unlike the situation at other All during the upcoming months, the ding, we set off on if spectators jammed the gymnasium schools where students hopefully wave of enrollment continued. Because an eight-week trip, not alone, but with to watch some good basketball, or to learned something between basketball of the basketballs which whizzed with thirty young Jewish students. We were see the Jewish beanies flying down the practice and swimming. Not that a “swish” through the nets of our the leaders of a study tour that took court. Whatever the crowd’s motiva- exercise isn’t important— in Judaism gym, students distant from Jewish us to , , and Israel. For tion, they cheered to see us win. Not it is vital to serve Hashem with both tradition found themselves sitting in both Miriam and myself, the visit to the once or twice, but seven out of nine a healthy body and a healthy mind. classrooms, listening to classes in was our third. Both of games ended in Akiva Academy victo- Therefore, to attract more Jewish and Talmud. us were lovers of the Land, but we had ries! Dallas had a new winning coach students to Akiva, I realized that the no idea that we would one day make besides Tom Landry. The Texas Jewish One of letters I received during all of the sports department needed a beefing the Golan Heights our permanent Post, the local Jewish newspaper, wrote hoopla was addressed to “TheR everend up. In order to persuade parents to send home. And who could even dream of up each of our games and plastered Yisrael Haber.” The letter was sent by an their kids to a “Jewish” school, I needed the uncharted path we would have to pictures of the team on the front and educational foundation which assisted a solid sports program behind me. If it journey to get there! back pages of the paper. The reporter students in need. “Dear Father,” it read. was basketball that would give a Jewish raved: “The team not only enjoyed the This by itself was enough to grab my For instance, our first stop was Dallas, kid a chance to learn about his heritage, blessings of its attention, but to add to the mystery, the Texas. Before our wedding, we had then basketball it would be. Since letter was signed,R onald Schwartzman, flown to the Lone Star State after basketball was my best sport, I decided rabbi, the rabbi himself coached the a name which sounded unmistakably learning that the in to coach the team and enter our school players.” All during the basketball Jewish. How sad, I thought, that my Dallas was looking for a new assistant in the city-wide basketball league. It season, the school received more public- fellow Jews could lack such elementary principal. We both agreed that spread- was truly a “mission impossible” to take ity and renown than it ever had for its knowledge of their faith and call a rabbi, ing Yiddishkeit in a center of Jewish life a group of kids who had never played outstanding academic achievements. “Father.” I was reminded how far Dal- like Brooklyn was no great innovation. basketball in any organized fashion and When it came time for the league’s end- las was from the Jewish mainstream. Our youthful idealism and yearning mold them into a winning team. of-season celebration, who stepped up Well, wasn’t this why Miriam and I for real challenge—which, thank G-d, to the dais to hand out the trophies? Furthermore, my goal wasn’t just to had decided to come? To educate the we both still feel today—drove us to get five Jewish guys out on the court, None other than Roger Staubach, the uneducated? Not that every Jew in New seek out distant pastures, far removed I wanted the audience to know they famous Dallas Cowboy quarterback. York is a Talmudic scholar, but there, from America’s Orthodox bastions. were Jewish. So I insisted that the Akiva Praising our team, he said: “The school surrounded by millions of Jews, if only In Dallas, we were interviewed by the line-up would play with league has always been an outstand- by osmosis, something rubs off. In Dal- Jewish community leaders and by the ing example of sportsmanship and las, back in the seventies, and maybe educational directors of the school, skullcaps on their heads. This wasn’t a excellence, but it never reached the still even today, if you stopped a Jew on Akiva Academy. A short while later, I simple matter in Dallas. In those days, exemplary level which it attained this the street and asked him who Abraham was notified that I had been awarded one didn’t see too many yarmulkes out- year. The reason— the addition of the was, he probably would have answered, the job. Thus, after returning from the side of a .Most Texans had Akiva Academy basketball team to the “President Lincoln, of course.” Israel leg of our long study trip, Miriam never seen one at all. Maybe on the head other fine squads in the league, and and I bought a new photo album and of the Pope, but certainly not on a Jew. One of letters I received during all of the the dynamic enthusiasm of all of their began filling it with pictures of our new “Well,” I decided, “That’s all going to hoopla was addressed to “TheR everend supporters. The team was superlatively home in Dallas, Texas. change.” In the tradition of the valiant Yisrael Haber.” The letter was sent by an trained and managed by Haber Rabbi Akiva, who defied the decrees of educational foundation which assisted The study year commenced at the end and Lazarus. I have to admit, you don’t mighty Rome, the Akiva starters would students in need. “Dear Father,” it read. of August. At the orientation meeting, often find rabbis on the basketball cover their heads. If Blacks could be This by itself was enough to grab my I wished the faculty a year of success, court, and if you do, they come to proud—so could Jews! attention, but to add to the mystery, the and included my wife and myself in watch from the side. This time, we are letter was signed,R onald Schwartzman, the blessing. Miriam was to teach in Though there were only a few months speaking about two rabbis who did an a name which sounded unmistakably the school’s kindergarten. In addi- to organize things before the winter outstanding job in coaching this year’s Jewish. How sad, I thought, that my tion, she enrolled in Texas Women’s basketball season, we managed to put most successful basketball team.”With fellow Jews could lack such elementary University in Denton, some 25 miles together a team. With lots of hard work, players, he added,“who wore beanies on knowledge of their faith and call a rabbi, north of Dallas, in order to complete training, practice, and hours in the gym their heads.” “Father.” I was reminded how far Dal- her Bachelor’s Degree.We soon discov- when I might have been home, the kids In addition to the famous quarterback’s las was from the Jewish mainstream. ered that the course she was taking in learned how to sink a jump shot and praises, I received a congratulatory Well, wasn’t this why Miriam and I speech therapy and special education rebound with elbows outstretched. letter from the Director of the Dallas had decided to come? To educate the had practical application for us in our After several tries, we managed to Sport Department, a former star player uneducated? Not that every Jew in New work with Jewish community leaders, fashion a kippah which would stay on for Rutgers University. He noted that he York is a Talmudic scholar, but there, where dialogue was often fractured the head during the game. One of our had never before encountered a rabbi surrounded by millions of Jews, if only and where communication was often players felt embarrassed wearing his in sports, and he wondered if the city by osmosis, something rubs off. In Dal- shut down. kippah in front of a gym filled with could look forward to Akiva baseball las, back in the seventies, and maybe non-Jews. He even threatened to quit My game-plan in starting the new and football teams too. still even today, if you stopped a Jew on the team. Since he was a talented player, year was to avoid routine and make the street and asked him who Abraham his absence would have been a blow Compliments came from within and education exciting. I saw no reason was, he probably would have answered, to the team, but I decided that greater without the Jewish community. Usually, why Akiva shouldn’t compete with “President Lincoln, of course.” damage would have been caused if rabbis are congratulated for performing the other private schools in the city, an exception was made to the rule. a bar mitzvah or brit milah, and here I not only scholastically, but athletically I told him that if he left us with this was, being praised for a winning bas- as well. The sad truth was that a great ultimatum, I would sorrowfully have ketball season. One shouldn’t ever let 8 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~November 14, 2008 Parshas Hashavua Vedibarta Bam ~ Chayei Sarah By Rabbi Moshe Bogomilsky sake of Hashem? On the contrary, she better qual¬ity.A ccording to halachah Sarah. The Torah tells us thatA vraham should have been proud! when the buyer gives better quality was blessed with “everything” to say "ויהיו חיי שרה... money than the neighbors, they no that though he remained alone and was ANSWER: When Sarah heard of ותמת שרה" longer have any rights to op¬pose the advanced in age, his son Yitzchak stood Avraham’s mission to Mount Moriah, at his side and was totally dedicated to (פנים יפות) .And Sarah lived... sale“ she marveled at his spiritual heroism. And Sarah died.” his welfare. He took care of everything "בכסף מלא יתננה לי בתוככם לאחזת Had she been told that Yitzchak was (23:1-2) Avraham needed to make his old age "וישקל אברהם לעפרן...ארבע מאות sacrificed, she would have been filled pleasant and comfortable. Such a child שקל כסף עבר לסחר" QUESTION: The with joy at the fact that her son was is indeed a blessing to a parent. parshah starts with accepted by Hashem. She, however, “Avraham weighed to Efron... 400 "ויאמר אברהם אל עבדו זקן ביתו the passing away was told that he had almost been shekels which are current (money) with המושל בכל אשר לו...ואשביעך" .of Sarah and her slaugh¬tered the merchant.” (23:16) burial. Why then is the parshah called Upon hearing this, she was terribly “And Avraham said to Eliezer, the “Chayei Sarah” — “the life of Sarah” QUESTION: The text could have read saddened, because she pre¬sumed eldest servant of his house who ruled — and not “mitat Sarah” — “the death that the money was good currency. that at the last moment her son was over all that he had... ‘Promise that you of Sarah”? Why is it necessary to emphasize that found unsuitable. Sarah feared that will not take a wife for my son from the it was cur¬rency accepted by “the ANSWER: The notion that the name perhaps her influence was in some daughters of .’ ” (24:2) merchant”? of the parshah is the first significant way inade¬quate and her education QUESTION: Why does the Torah word of the parshah is inaccurate. For of Yitzchak imperfect. This was so ANSWER: The words “oveir lasocheir” emphasize at this point that Eliezer was instance, the second parshah of the pro¬foundly sad¬dening that her soul — “current (money) with the mer- the eldest servant and ruled over all of Torah is named “Noach” and the sixth departed. chant” — could mean that the money Avra¬’s possessions? was indeed passed to Efron through a "וידבר אל בני חת לאמר גר ותושב parshah is called Toldot. Parshat Noach merchant. Avraham made his payment ANSWER: Once a man was traveling אנכי עמכם תנו לי אחזת קבר עמכם.... — "אלה תולדות נח" starts with the words .through a merchant for the following through a city and spent all his money שמעוני ופגעו לי בעפרון...וישקל אברהם ”.These are the offspring of Noach“ reason: During the course of the nego- He went to a kosher butcher and asked לעפרון...ארבע מאות שקל כסף עובר ,Parshat Toldot starts with the words tiations, Efron affected great generosity. for a loan, promising that when he לסוחר" These are“ — "ואלה תולדות יצחק בן אברהם" the offspring of Yitzchak son of Avra- Publicly, he offered Avraham the land returned home, he would send him back ham.” If the theory is correct, then the “And he spoke to the children of Cheit, ‘I for nothing. However, in his heart he a check as payment. The butcher very second parshah of Bereishit am an immigrant and a resident among was money-hungry, and wanted the apologetically explained that since he should be titled “Toldot,” and the sixth you. Sell me a property for a burial full price in the best money. never met him before and knew nothing called “Yitzchak.” place... Speak on my behalf to Efron to about him, he could not take the risk. Efron deviously thought to himself, sell me the Cave of Machpeilah....’ He The Lubavitcher Rebbe explains that “How will my people view me if origi- A few minutes later the butcher received weighed out for Efron 400 shekels of the name of the parshah is not arbi- nally I spoke so generously to Avraham a telephone call, and the visitor noticed the best quality.” (23:3-4,8,16) trary, but a one-word description of and now request money?” He, therefore, that the butcher was very distressed. the essence and primary concepts QUESTION: If Avraham was inter- devised the following scheme: He went He asked the butcher, “What is wrong? discussed in the parshah. Thus, in the ested in buying a piece of land from to a merchant and told him, “I have to Perhaps I can help you?” The butcher second parshah, though “Noach” is Efron, why did he talk to the children do some busi¬ness with Avraham, and told the visitor, “I was just informed the third word, it is the name of the of Cheit and not with Efron directly? I want him to pay me 400 shekels. I do that the shochet is very sick and will not parshah because the entire parshah not feel comfortable asking Avraham be able to work for the next two weeks. ANSWER: There is a halachah known revolves pri¬marily around the life directly for payment and especially to Without the shochet, I will not have any as “bar metzra” (Choshen Mishpat 175). of . The sixth parshah is named ask for the most negotiable currency. kosher meat to sell and it will be a grave When one wants to sell a field, one’s “Toldot” because the entire parshah setback for my business.” neighbors have the right to pur¬chase “Therefore, when he offers to pay on, discusses Yaakov and Eisav, who were before anyone else. Avraham was afraid I will say: ‘I do not wish any money. The visitor told the butcher, “You need the “Toldot” — “offspring” — of that if he dealt directly with Efron, the However, if you insist, you can give not worry, because I happen to be a Yitzchak son of Avra¬ham. neighbors might object to the sale and money to a mer¬chant to whom I am shochet by profession.” The butcher’s “Chayei Sarah” — “the life of Sarah” decide to purchase it. He, therefore, in debt.’ You in turn should demand face began to shine and he exclaimed, — was focused on one goal and ideal, took a number of measures in order to from him 400 shekels of best quality “Baruch Hashem, you saved me. Are that Yitzchak should reach spiritual make sure that the law of bar metzra and later give it to me.” you ready to start immediately?” )פון אונזער אלטען אוצר( .greatness. Our parshah discusses the should not apply Upon hearing this the stranger said, life of Yitzchak, who was the realization You really surprise me. When I asked“ ואברהם זקן בא בימים וה' ברך את" -When one sells a field back to its orig (1 of Sarah’s spiritual dream. Although in for a loan which was a matter of a few "אברהם בכל inal owners, the law of bar metzra does this parshah we read of her demise and not apply. Originally, Eretz Yisrael was dollars, you refused me by saying you burial, through Yitzchak her ideals were “And Avraham was old and advanced the property of the children of , did not know if I could be trusted. Now, fulfilled.A lthough physically Sarah was in age and G d blessed Avraham with Avraham’s ancestor. After¬wards, when it comes to a shochet preparing no longer here, she continued to live on everything.” (24:1) Canaan, of whom the children of Cheit kosher meat, which has to do with the through her son Yitzchak. In actuality were descendants, took the land (Rashi QUESTION: The word “bakol” ( ) ‘soul’ of the Jewish people, you do not בכל Chayei Sarah” was the righteous life“ 12:5). has the numerical value of 52, which is ask any questions and you are ready to of Yitzchak. also the same value as the word “ben” accept me?!” Therefore, Avraham said “I am ‘geir (מיוסד על לקוטי שיחות ח"ה ע' 58) ( ) — “son” — alluding to the fact that -Avraham was teaching us a very impor בן vetoshav’ — ‘an immi¬grant and .(Avraham had a son (Rashi "ויבא אברהם לספד לשרה ולבכתה" resident among you.’ ” Though I am tant lesson. In money matters he trusted “And Avraham came to eulogize Sarah now an immigrant in the country, I am What is the con¬nection between Avra- many different people and especially and weep for her.” (23:2) really a full-fledged resident.S ince my ham’s becoming old and his having Eliezer his faithful servant. However, ances¬tors were the original owners, every¬thing — a son? when it came to matters ofY id¬dishkeit QUESTION: Rashi comments: “The I have priority and nobody can object such as choosing a wife for Yitzchak, narratives of Sarah’s death and the ANSWER: There is an old adage, A“ to the sale.” he would not rely on any¬one, unless Binding of Yitzchak follow one another, father or a mother can manage their ten he was absolutely sure. Therefore, he for through the announcement of the 2) Concerned that the children of Cheit children, but ten children cannot take made even his faithful servant promise Binding, that her son had been prepared might still not agree, he asked them to care of one father or mother.” Often that he would follow his in¬structions for slaughter and had almost been speak to Efron on his behalf. This would as parents grow older, their chil¬dren carefully. slaughtered, her soul fled from her and remove any doubt that they all agreed consider them a burden and find caring (ילקוט הדרוש) .she died.” to the sale. for them difficult Why would a righteous woman like 3) Fearing that, at the last minute, they As a dutiful son, Yitzchak, however, Sarah expire upon hear¬ing that her might decide to buy the land after all, was profoundly grateful for the love son was prepared for slaughter for the Avraham made sure to use currency of a and concern provided by Avraham and November 14, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 9 Cheshvan Yahrzeiten

This week we continue with theY ahrzeiten of people who lived in our shechuna. directive and was a senior member ins his service for Yeshiva Tomchei We are also including the Yahrzeiten of Shluchim. In mentioning them we of the Chevra Kadisha of Agudas Tmimim in France. He was born in come to “v’Hachai yiten el Libo”. We learn from their lives, lessons that we can Chassidei Chabad. Reb Yudel Mirgarad, Poltova in 1909 and was incorporate into our own. This column includes the Yahrzeiten from the 24th sold Yanavar Esrogim. And nifter in 5762/2001. Cheshvan through the 29th. The respective resting places of the individuals wrote a sefer on the Rambam noted in this column are near the holy Ohel, unless otherwise specified. Hilchos Bais Habechira “Eitz Women Yehuda” and on Esrogim, 24th of Cheshvan as from fire.H e exerted himself to bring Men “Pri Eitz Hadar”. He joy to people and bring them closer Mrs. Tzivi Tzili Nemotin 24th of Cheshvan was born on the 4th of together. He was born in Samarkand Teves in 1942 and was The daughter of Horav Horav Hachossid Reb in 1944 and was nifter in the midst of nifter in 5756/1995. Hachossid Reb Binyamin, Benzion Sokolik his life in 5756/1995. 29th of Cheshvan she merited, together with The gabai of theA nshei Lubavitch shul 28th of Cheshvan her husband, to serve the which was located in East Newark, New Horav Hachossid Rebbe’s parents in Alma- Hachossid Reb Yosef Getzel Pellin Jersey, he was nifter in 5712/1951. Hatomim Reb Ata, she was a role model of The son ofR eb Binyomin, he was nifter Meir Avtzon self-sacrifice inR ussia where Horav Hachossid in the midst of his life in 1993. she raised her children in the Hatomim Reb Avro- The son of Horav teachings of her ancestors. She hom Moshe Halevi Horav Hachossid Hachossid Reb Ger- was nifter in 5761/2000. Baitelman Hatomim Reb shon, he was mekushar Yehuda Keller all his life to the Previous Dear Readers: He was a baal midos Rebbe and the Rebbe. He served as tovos and was dis- The son of Horav Anyone who would like to have their a mashgiach in Yeshivas Tomchei tinguished for his Hachossid Reb Meir relatives mentioned in the yahrzeit column Tmimim in Kremenshug and Nevelle, refined personal traits. He loved sho- Liber, he was very should email the name, father’s name, date sacrificed himself for the benefit of The lom, sought to make sholom among much involved in the of the ptira and some details to chp5768@ yeshiva and was arrested and exiled. others and stayed away from machlokes study of Rambam as per the Rebbe’s gmail.com. A picture may be included. After leaving Russia, he continued Jewish History Personality responsa and decisions of his pupil still popular among Orthodox Jewish Reb Yonah Gerondi Solomon Aderet and of other great rab- preachers. TheS efer ha-Yirah was pub- Yonah ben Abraham Gerondi (Hebrew: of his time. In all his lectures he made bis, and some of which are incorporated lished as early as 1490, as an appendix to .[), also known as Rabbeinu a point of quoting from , in the ShittahM ekubbezet of R. Bezalel ben Joseph’s Halikot ‘Olam[1יונה גירונדי Yonah and Yonah of Gerona) was nifter always mentioning his name with great Ashkenazi. Azulai had in his possession TheS haare Teshuvah first appeared in in 1263) was a Catalan rabbi and moral- reverence. Gerondi’s sudden death from Gerondi’s novellæ on the tractates Baba Fano (1505) with the Sefer ha-Yirah, ist, cousin of Nahmanides. He is most a rare disease was considered by many Batra and Sanhedrin, in manuscript while the Iggeret ha-Teshuvah was first famous for his ethical work The Gates as a penalty for not having carried out (Shem ha-Gedolim, p. 75, Vilna, 1852). published in Cracow (1586). All have ). the plan of his journey to the grave His novellæ on the last-named tractate been reprinted many times, separatelyשערי תשובה :of Repentance (Hebrew of Maimonides. He was nifter on the form part of the collection of commen- and together, as well as numerous Rabbi Yonah Gerondi came from 28th of Cheshvan in Toledo, Spain, taries on the Talmud by ancient authors extracts from them; and they have Girona, in Catalonia. Gerondi was the Nov., 1263. published by Abraham ben Eliezer been translated into Judæo-German most prominent pupil of Solomon of ha-Levi under the title Sam Hayyim and English. A part of the Iggeret ha- Montpellier, the leader of the opponents (Leghorn, 1806; see Benjacob, Ozar Teshuvah (sermon 3) first appeared, of Maimonides’ philosophical works, ha-Sefarim, p. 422). His commentary under the name Dat ha-Nashim, in and was one of the signers of the ban on Pirke Avot was first published by Solomon Alami’s Iggeret Musar[2]. proclaimed in 1233 against the Moreh Simhah Dolitzki of Byelostok (Berlin For an estimate of Gerondi’s ethical Nebukim and the Sefer ha-Madda. and Altona, 1848)and was translated works and his partial indebtedness to According to his pupil, Hillel of Verona, into English for the first time byR abbi the Sefer Hasidim see Zur Geschichte Gerondi was the instigator of the public David Sedley of TorahLab. The work der Jüdisch-Ethischen Literatur des burning of Maimonides’ writings by Issur we-Heter is wrongly attributed Mittelalters[3].H e is also supposed to order of the authorities at Paris in 1233, to Gerondi. A commentary by him on be mentioned, under the name of “R. and the indignation which this aroused Proverbs, which is very highly praised Jonah,” five times in the Tosafot[4]. among all classes of Jews was mainly (see Bahya ben Asher’s preface to his directed against him. Subsequently commentary on the (not forty days afterward, as a tradi- Pentateuch), exists in tion has it, but in 1242; see note 5 to manuscript. Among H. Grätz, Geschichte, vol. vii.), when other minor unpub- twenty-four wagon-loads of lished works known were burned at the same place where to be his are Megillat the philosophical writings of Maimo- Sefarim, Hilkot Cha- nides had been destroyed, Gerondi nukah, and Hilkot Yom saw the folly and danger of appealing Title page from Sefer Shaarei Teshuvah (1960 Kippur. to Christian ecclesiastical authorities pocket edition) by Yonah Gerondi (d.1263), first on questions of Jewish doctrine, and But the fame of published in 1505. publicly admitted in the synagogue of Gerondi chiefly rests Montpellier that he had been wrong in on his moral and Works all his acts against the works and fame ascetic works, which, of Maimonides. Gerondi left many works, of which it is surmised, he wrote only a few have been preserved. The to atone for his earlier As an act of repentance he vowed to Chiddushim to Alfasi on Berakot which attacks onM aimonides travel to Palestine and prostrate himself are ascribed to “Rabbenu Jonah” were and to emphasize on Maimonides’ grave and implore his in reality written in Gerondi’s name his repentance. His pardon in the presence of ten men for by one, if not several, of his pupils. Iggeret ha-Teshuvah, seven consecutive days. He left France The Chiddushim, originally covered Shaare Teshuvah, and with that intention, but was detained, the entire work of Alfasi, but only the Sefer ha-Yirah belong first in Barcelona and later in Toledo. portion mentioned has been preserved. to the standard Jewish He remained in Toledo, and became Gerondi wrote novellæ on the Talmud, ethical works of the one of the great Talmudical teachers which are often mentioned in the M iddle Ages, and are 10 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~November 14, 2008

Our mother, Rebbetzin Belinov of each family. Mrs. Belinov, wanting with respect and kindness. to receive extra coupons, wrote her When they arrived in France, the immi- In honor of her upcoming fourth as fast as she could and arrived just in mother-in-law’s name as part of the grants had no jobs or means of making yahrtzeit time as her grandmother was covering household. Her sister-in-law did the a living. Although most people took the cholent pot. Mrs. Belinov always same thing. One day Mrs. Belinov got By: B. Bronshtein, C. Marozov and F. loans, Mrs. Belinov refused to borrow got a burst of energy Erev Shabbos caught. This was a serious offense and Belinov even when she was older and weaker. she was very frightened. Mrs. Chava Belinov was born to Reb Even in the last stage of her life when That same night, she Yerachmiel and Chana Goldshmidt she was in the hospital, she waited for dreamed that her father in the city of Vinegrad. Mrs. Belinov’s Shabbos and urged us to hurry and came to her and said, “I father Yerachmiel Goldshmid also bentch licht early. came to take you.” She called “Yerachmiel the Rov” was the began to cry and asked Before Mrs. Belinov got married, her rov of Vinegrad near Kiev; he was a well him, “What will happen commitment to modesty (tznius) was known and devoted Rachmestrivker to my little children?” tested. She overcame the test with chossid. He replied, “Nu, we will mesiras nefesh. Once, as she was trav- see.” The next day, the When she was a young girl, the Com- eling in a horse and wagon, the driver nachalnik (the superin- munists forced all of the children suddenly stopped the wagon and tried tendent) of the building to attend public school. Her father to approach her. Sensing the danger, came to our mother and refused and, instead, hired a tutor to she ran towards the nearby river to said, “You had better teach his children reading, writing and literally throw herself in. Upon seeing write the babushkah mathematics. She endured the taunts this, the wagon driver left her alone and (her mother-in-law) in of people saying, “Here comes Chava, drove away. the book,” (At that time, the daughter of the Rav, who doesn’t Rabbi Shmuel Dovid Belinov with grandchildren On Lag B’Omer in 5695/1935, Mrs. all of the inhabitants of go to school.” She was very careful to Belinov was married to Reb Shmuel a given area had to be speak only Yiddish at home. Although money even when she was offered. S he Dovid, a devout chossid known for recorded in a population roster.) Very Mrs. Belinov spoke Russian fluently would say, “If I take a loan, I will have his fear of Hashem and high level of soon afterwards, the government’s and used it to help bring Russian to pay it back. Knowing that I do not learning. They began their married commission was searching for her and immigrants back to Torah and Mitzvos, have the means, how can I take a loan?” life in Klimovich. Finding a proper asked for the book. They looked in the she felt honored to follow the example Nevertheless, her family never felt that livelihood became difficultR eb Shmuel apartment roster and found her name. of the Rebbe who spoke only Yiddish they were lacking anything. She used Dovid traveled to Moscow and was later They askedM rs. Belinov, “Where is the for forty years. the money she had wisely. She was a joined by his wife and two children. babushkah?” Mrs. Belinov’s instant wonderful housekeeper. Mrs. Belinov told her children many As it turned out, this relocation was reply was, “She is in the hospital.” By times about Pesach in her father’s H ashem’s way of saving their lives. a miracle, they believed her. All of the money that Mrs. Belinov had home. Her father used to use utensils Shortly thereafter, the Nazis invaded was given to her children and grandchil- Mrs. Belinov was a true example of the especially designated for him. On Klimovich, made an open grave, and dren. She would bring “care packages” mitzvah of kibud av va’em. She was Erev Pesach, they kashered the mill killed all of the Jews there. May their from France with frozen yogurts, convinced that her life was saved in and the family was ready to bake the blood be avenged. chocolate croissants, hamantashen, the merit of this mitzvah. She was the shemurah matzah. After midday, while burgers (kakleten), blintzes, kreplach, After a brief stay in Moscow, they again next to the youngest of ten children. most people were already preparing the as well as entire wardrobes for each had to flee the Nazis. They traveled to In those days, they had to draw water food for Yom Tov, Mrs. Belinov and her child in season. She always remem- Samarkand, where a large community from wells. Mrs. Belinov used to carry sisters were still sweating by the oven bered birthdays, camp departures and of Lubavitcher Chassidim and other the water in buckets on her shoulders baking the special mitzvah matzos that other special occasions with envelopes Torah observant refugees had settled. so that her parents wouldn’t have to do would be used for the Seder plate and of cash never missing an opportunity In that difficult time of famine and epi- it. Her father used to learn until 2:00 for their father to eat for the duration to bring us joy. Mrs. Belinov’s husband demic, Reb Shmuel Dovid and his wife or 3:00 A.M.. Every night she waited of Pesach. would offer her money generously, but were known for their compassionate until he had finished learning, took off she never took more than she needed. Mrs. Belinov was very strict about hospitality, not hesitating to entertain his boots, prepared the nagel-vasser for She taught us, “Who is rich, he who keeping all of the customs of Pesach at guests, even those with contagious dis- him and made sure that he was covered is happy with his portion.” She never the same time, we felt the happiness of eases. Starvation was rampant. Slowly with his blanket. wanted us to run after luxuries or Pesach and every other Yom Tov by the but surely, Mrs. Belinov sold all of her Once, in her later years when she material things. way she devoted herself to beautifying clothes except for one dress in order to was living in New York, her family and celebrating the minhagim of each buy food. Every night she would wash Mrs. Belinov often traveled to the convinced her not to make cholent for Yom Tov. She made the preparations her dress by hand so it would be clean United States to share in family sim- Shabbos because of the hot weather. for Pesach go so smoothly that we for the next day. The only thing that chas and to help when she thought her That night, her father appeared to her didn’t feel we were sacrificing our usual she would not sell for any price was her children needed her. Her devotion in a dream. He walked over to the stove comforts when we helped her. mother’s shawl. knew no bounds. She used to weigh her where she usually put the cholent and grandchildren to see if they had gained Mrs. Belinov always waited for Shab- Each night, she waited all night long in looked displeased. Mrs. Belinov felt bad weight. She wanted them to eat well. bos, Shabbos never waited for her. She the bread line in order to bring bread that she had caused her father distress As her grandchildren noted “When used to tell us how, even during the to her children. In the morning, they by omitting this beautiful minhag that Bubby wasn’t stuffing us with food worst of times in Russia, she was always would open the window to distribute she had always been so careful to keep. she would tell us to sing nigunim.” She careful to bentch licht and receive the the bread on a first come first served The following week, she made sure to had a beautiful voice, loved to sing and Shabbos early. basis. As soon as they opened the make a cholent in spite of the heat. always encouraged a freilich Shabbos window, everybody started pushing to That night, her father came to her in a It was only with mesiras nefesh that one table with nigunim. She was very proud get to the window. She always except dream, but this time he was so happy could keep Shabbos in Russia. Once, as of her children’s and grandchildren’s once, managed to get this bread called he danced with her. a child, she went to her grandparents, accomplishments. She used to encour- lipioshke. Once she got an idea to make Reb Mottele der Dayan andR ebbetzin After the war, most of theL ubavitcher age her children, especially her sons, to a more filling dish out of the lipioshke Chana, in Zvinigorodka. The wagon chassidim escaped to France. The Joint learn Torah saying, “It will be good for by putting the pieces of the bread into driver stopped at each passenger’s who assisted the Jews placed them in you in this world and good for you in water to make soup. It became a special house. It was cold and the ground very modest “hotels” with a communal the World to come.” treat. She would think, “When with was covered with large mud puddles. kitchen. It was quite difficult to cook Hashem’s help there is no more hunger, A friend of the family remarked that Mrs. Belinov looked up at the sky and under such conditions. Mrs. Belinov I will make this soup every day.” When Mrs. Belinov always seemed to have realized that Shabbos was approaching. was very accommodating and didn’t she told this part of the story, she would a in her hand, and that is how She asked the wagon driver to let her out hesitate to bend for the sake of peace. laugh heartily. her children knew her. She used to so she could walk, but he refused. She If the stove was not available at her daven Shacharis, Mincha and Maariv, began crying so bitterly that his heart Soon, they changed the system and allotted time, she walked away and softened and he let her out. She ran issued bread coupons based on the size came back later. She treated everyone Continued on Page 13 November 14, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 11

Matters of Interest

The RAMBAM Lifestyle want to live longer, heather, happier and eating slowly. Enjoy every bite. more pleasure full, YES, YES, more Don’t feel full? Six - eight glasses of water By Yaakov Bam, MS, into the room and raged: ‘Has the battle pleasure full life. or other non-caloric beverages daily fills Nutrition and Well- been planned? Have the orders to form All health hazards come from combina- you up and keeps you refreshed. Also, ness Consultant/ the flanks been issued?’ tion of the following: vegetables and fruits can help you feel Coach “And who is this stranger?!’ he contin- fuller, especially when eaten raw. Overeating. The Rambam: ued, pointing to me. In a flash he was Lack of exercise. Don’t be depressed if you have a set at my side. ‘You are a spy for Russia!’ he “I can guarantee Lack of proper sleep. back — tomorrow will be a new day. thundered, and placed his hand upon that anyone who Lack of proper bowel movement. If you eat when you’re bored, try to my chest to feel the pounding heart of accustoms himself Let us look at the #1. drink or chew on fruit/vegetables a man exposed. to these ways which we have discussed You could you prevent over eating and instead of candy. will not become sick throughout his At that moment, the aleph of Chassidus YES , Yes enjoy your meal by following Avoid heavy meals late at night, 2-4 whole life, and will never need to take stood by me. My mind commanded my some of the concepts listed below. hours before going to sleep. any medicines. His body will be perfect heart to beat not an increment faster. In Start out by making small changes in Try to understand and implement some and healthy for his entire life....” an unwavering voice I said: ‘The com- your life. Don’t try to change too much of the following suggestions: manders of His Highness the Emperor too fast. Fredrehe Rebbe told us a story about has taken me as their interpreter, as I am Study and achieve a very good grasp of the How do we achieve Health? Reb Moshe Meisels, youngest of Alter knowledgeable in the languages crucial food groups: water, fats, proteins, carbohy- There is only one answer – CHaBaD. Rebbe’s disciples, who served a transla- to the carrying out of their duties...’ “ drates, vitamins, and minerals. Learn how We have to learn how to live healthy life tor at the headquarters of French army food can affect human body and health in not only spiritually but on the physical in Russia during the Ware. In reality he In , Alter Rebbe brings quote positive and in negative way. plane as well. was spying for Russian Army and as from Ra‘aya Mehemna, Parshat Pin- he related to Reb Eisel of Homel: “The chas: “By its very nature, the brain rules It takes 15 minutes or more for the To be continued. aleph of Chassidus saved me from a the heart.” This is known as the “aleph message that we’re full to get from our Yaakov Bam, MS, is a member of American certain death.” of Chassidus”. stomachs to our brains. So wait a few Association of Nutritional Consultants. seconds before taking a next bite. Frierdike Rebbe writes: WHEN WE BRING “ALEPH OF He focuses on guiding and advising institu- CHASSIDUS” IN ANY ASPECT OF Did you know that we eat most of what tions, families and private individuals in “They [French generals] were still OUR LIFE WE TRANSFER GOLUS is on our plate, no matter what is the implementing the RAMBAM Lifestyle. debating when the door flew open with INTO GEULA AND SAVE OUR size of the plate? Use smaller plates; By improving your lifestyle you Will: a crash. The guard stationed inside the LIFES. When eating out, share an entrée! have more energy everyday, get rid of bad door was greatly alarmed and drew his Studies show that portions today are cholesterol, constipation, normalize blood revolver. So great was the commotion, Gezunt (Health) is very important often super-sized—enough for two or pressure, boost your immune system and that everyone thought that the enemy aspect of our life. As we wish Gezut, more people to share. metabolism, prevent heart disease, stroke, had burst in an attempt to capture the Parnasah, and Nachas… We see that and diabetes chas vsholom, etc… Yaakov French Chief Command... Gezunt comes first. Braishis Boro During the Yom Tovim and on Sh- can be reached at yaakov.bam@gmail. (Brius). abbos (or even during the week) you “But it was Napoleon himself who com or by phone, (347) 933-1622. To Nefesh Abahamos [Animal Soul] will could allow yourself to eat whatever you appeared in the doorway. TheE mperor’s register for a free Health Lifestyle seminar, agree to follow Health Life Style. It also want by watching your portions size and face was dark with fury. He stormed please contact Yaakov Bam. The Biggest Threat to Our Economy (From The Motley Fool) cycle to grind to a halt. That's where it gets ugly.W hen we can't By Morgan Housel November 17, 08 Cleanup on aisle "huh?" Massive capital inflows kept interest come through on our half of the deal, rates low. In 2001, Alan Greenspan reminded us Right now, things are ugly. General things might start to spin in reverse. Hey, hey ... low interest rates? We're back that he has "long argued that paying Motors (NYSE: GM) and Ford (NYSE: Events could go something like this: to square one! down the national debt is beneficial F) are staring the unimaginable in the Repeat cycle until wealthy. Lower home and stock prices leads to for the economy: It keeps interest rates face. Poor Starbucks (Nasdaq: SBUX) That self-reinforcing behavior carried less consumer spending. lower than they otherwise would be has shed two-thirds of its value since last us through the highs of last year. And, Less consumer spending leads to smaller and frees savings to finance increases spring. Circuit City called it quits last man, wasn't it good? Tiffany (NYSE: trade deficits. in the capital stock, thereby boosting week. Consumer spending isn't looking TIF) could hardly keep its display Smaller trade deficits lead to less foreign productivity and real incomes." good for Santa this holiday season. cases stocked. Homebuilders like Toll capital inflows. D'oh! We didn't listen. National debt was But none of that is directly related to Brothers (NYSE: TOL) and Beazer Less foreign capital inflows lead to around $5.6 trillion when Greenspan subprime mortgages, CDOs, credit (NYSE: BZH) could build without giv- higher interest rates. gave his speech. Today it's quickly default swaps, or Tier 1 capital. It's ing much thought about demand. Like Higher interest rates cause property and hurtling toward $11 trillion. part of the "seismic shift" plaguing the any other bubble, people used phrases stock values to plunge. economy that Best Buy (NYSE: BBY) like "the new economy," chalking it up as Plunging values leads to less consumer But, hold on ... maybe we did listen? warned of last week. globalization at its finest. The world lent. spending. Low interest rates ... no, insanely low We spent. No one complained. Provided Less consumer spending ... haven't we interest rates, were the norm from 2001 What are we shifting away from?A lot of each party did its fair share of lending been here before? until around 2005. And, by golly, we things, but one of the biggies is a fierce and spending, there wasn't much that Repeat cycle until broke. sure didn't have any problem financ- economic cycle that fueled the past could slow the cycle down. That's one of the biggest threats to our ing increases in capital stock. Add in decade. It went something like this: economy today: the possibility of being the windfall from real estate, and real We needed ultra-low interest rates after That's when we had our Minsky mom sucked into another self-reinforcing incomes couldn't find a ceiling. Labor 9/11. ent. cycle like we were in the past last decade. productivity grew at its fastest rate in Have a seat, Dr. Minsky will see you in Those low rates fed insatiable demand Only this time, it'll drive us unreason- decades, too. Where'd the Maestro go a moment for housing (real estate was especially ably poorer, rather than unreasonably wrong on this one? attractive, because investors' fingers had A Minsky moment is a phenomenon richer. Nowhere, really. Under normal eco- just been burned by the dot-com bubble, named after economistH yman Minsky, How bad will it get? No one knows, nomic conditions, he would have been so stocks were taboo). which describes what happens when an but when you think that the first cycle spot-on. Interest rates would have economy simply can't afford its debt Rising home values led to a surge in took trillions of dollars in leverage and surged. The cost of borrowing would anymore. Think of it inW ile E. Coyote consumer spending -- funded by debt, nearly a decade to break, the thought have been prohibitively high. Real terms: We reach the Minsky moment of course. of something as severe happening in incomes would have plunged. Produc- when, suspended in midair, we realize Spending sprees led to massive trade reverse is pretty daunting. tivity would have wallowed. Alas, the we've outrun our road, look down, and deficits. sequence of events that fueled the past panic. The dangerous part isn't just that Like Yogi Berra said, "The future ain't Massive trade deficits led to massive decade was anything but normal. debt becomes a pain in the rear, but that what it used to be." That's kinda how I capital inflows by foreign investors. it'll cause our half of the aforementioned feel right now. 12 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~November 14, 2008 Chevron 5769

noon In front of Maaras HaMachpela, Chabad of Hevron Reports on Parshas Chayei Sarah Inauguration of our new Chabad of Hevron . First in the Reprinted from the Chabad of Hevron Previously, men coming to pray did not Chabad Tank Corps for many years and Holy City of Hevron since the tent of Annual Report 5768 have a suitable Mikveh to immerse in. is now in charge of our new Mitzvah Avraham Avinu. Chabad of Hevron completely reno- Tank. He knows the impact a Tank Parshas Chayei Sara - the Torah portion vated the old Mikveh which had been in can make in Hevron. It is an incredible 1:30 Hanukos HaBais of Heichal where we read about Avraham Avinu disrepair and took on the responsibility comfort to the soldiers. HaRashab in Beit Romano, new Cha- purchasing Maaras bad library and museum. HaMachpela - attracts In accordance with the Chabad Mikveh - Newly renovated and oper- tens of thousands of before him, the Rebbe Rashab saw ated by Chabad, in the Avraham Avinu visitors to Hevron. Hevron as the capital city of Chabad in neighborhood They all come to hear the Holy Land. In his letters, theR ashab 4:30 Candle Lighting the Torah portion read expressed his desire to stimulate the 4:45 Mincha with the masses in the on the very spot that the Hevron community and to establish a field of Machpela story of Avraham took Yeshiva in Hevron that would emulate Kabbalas Shabbos choose the place. Shabbos Parshas the Tomchei T’mimim Yeshiva which that suits you best Chayei Sara is one of he established in Russia. or 6:00 join the later Chabad Minyan the ten days a year that In 1912, Yeshiva Toras Emes was in Ulam Yitzchok led by Rabbi Yossi the main hall in Maaras established in Beit Romano. A group of Malka HaMachpela, Ulam select students was sent to Hevron by 7:00 Friday night meal on The Terrace Yitzchok, is open to the Rashab, led by the famous , (Cohen Mirpeset). 770 Jews. Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Havlin. Under Avraham Avinu Each year more friends his leadership the Yeshiva brought 9:30 CHOICE OF FARBRENGENS and supporters of Cha- fresh energy to the Hevron community. Shuk of Avraham Avinu Rabbi David bad of Hevron come M any local householders joined in the Meir Druckman (Hebrew) OR Tel from abroad just to cel- classes. R umeida Farbrengen with Baruch Mar- ebrate this special Shab- zel. Enjoy his world famous midnight Corresponding with Parshas Chayei bos in Hevron. This Chollent and Kugel. Sarah, on the 20th of Cheshvan, birth- year [5768] we hosted MIDNIGHT Stroll to Menucha Rochel day of the Rebbe Rashab, 5768/2007, guests from Chicago, Rabbi Druckman drills to install a Mezuzah on the at your own pace. the hundredth year since the building New York, Los Angeles, door posts of Heichal HaRashab. 8:30 AM Mezonos and learning at 770 was purchased, Chabad of Hevron Paris and more. We Avraham Avinu. to keep it immaculate and in working established Heichel HaRashab, a library arranged housing accommodations 9:30 Mikveh Experience at the ancient order. Now that is it functional and and museum in one of the original Toras for 60 people, but Friday night on the Mayan Avraham. Unusual location - for sanitary, (and beautiful!), hundreds Emes classrooms in Beit Romano. The porch we had a record breaking 130… the adventurous OR The conventional of visitors and residents use it every rooms have been tastefully upgraded to including a very special surprise guest. Mikveh in A A week. reflect their historical significance by Commander of the Hevron and 10:30 Chabad Minyan. Ulam artist Eliyahu Idinov. Authentic docu- region, Colonel Yehuda Fuchs came to Having a Mitzvah Tank facilitates Yitzchok. ments and artifacts dating back more Torah Reading Parshas Chayei Sara than a century display the rich Chabad 1:00 Shabbos Lunch on The Terrace history in Hevron. TheC habad library with famous Hevron Chollent and comfortable furniture welcome all 2:45 Tour of Hevron with Rabbi Danny visitors and scholars. Cohen “The crowds that visit Hevron on 4:15 Mincha at Menucha Rochel Parshas Chaya Sarah,” says Hevron Refreshments - Seder Niggunim - Shliach Rabbi Danny Cohen, “generate Maariv - Havdalah a fresh spiritual energy that infuses the residents with the extra measure of commit- ment and confidence they need to fend off the attacks from the media, the government and our hostile neighbors, in the coming year. The support they feel when so many people come on this weekend is very Rabbi Yossi Nachshon puts Tefilin on a soldier in the new Mitzvah Tank reassuring to them. I am proud that in Chabad we the porch. He had something he wanted communicating Yiddishkeit. When have visitors that come to share. He thanked everyone for com- someone can step off of the street from abroad especially ing, and then - it was very touching - he and into a Jewish atmosphere, sit and for this weekend. spoke of how the activities of Chabad relax, and have something to drink, “I am confident that of Hevron benefit the soldiers. they are much more open to discuss the Chabad of Hevron and discover. That is the advantage of Wanting to make the most of this celebrations during a Mitzvah Tank in a typical situation. incredible Shabbos, Chabad of Hevron Parshas Chayei Sarah But in Hevron - a Mitzvah Tank has has a schedule of events and tours that are arousing Sarah and much more of an impact that elsewhere. encompass the entire day and night. Avraham and will greet When a Mitzvah Tank pulls up to an In addition to the Davening, meals the Rebbe in Hevron!” isolated army outpost, it provides a and Farbrengens, Chabad of Hevron feeling of comfort, reminiscent of home. Schedule PARSHAS celebrated three new beginnings on Clean facilities. A fridge stocked with CHAYEI SARA Erev Shabbos. We opened a newly reno- refreshments. A comfortable place to sit vated Mikveh for men, we opened the Chabad of Hevron and a friendly face to chat with. Heichel HaRashab and we inaugurated 5769/2008 a new Mitzvah Tank. Rabbi Yossi Nachshon had served in the Erev Shabbos 12:30 November 14, 2008 ~ crOWN heights Newspaper 13 Shleimus Haaretz The Obligation to Protest and the Obligation to Settle the Entire Land of Israel : The Rebbe’s Letter to the Participants of the Sixth Great Assembly in 1980 Published and copyright © by Sichos in Committee of the Great Assembly, Torah was given to the immortal Nation And speedily in our days will He put an English of Israel, and any concession regarding end to the darkness; the increasingly May it be G-d’s Will that you take the Holy Land — which was given to us dense darkness of the generation of the Free Translation—Unedited advantage of the Great Assembly with by G-d according to its borders — has footsteps of Messiah, all its possibilities for spreading Juda- 5740 (1979), Sabbatical no intrinsic value.” ism, Torah, and mitzvos everywhere Who will redeem us from our bitter Year, Shabbos LaHashem — to the most forsaken places, Particularly since the situation regard- exile, when Brooklyn, New York ing this has fundamentally worsened, And most especially — the main thing, He will fight the battles of theL -rd and To the Honored Participants and any concession of territory only being action — through clear decisions succeed, and will build the Holy Temple in the Sixth Great Assembly — endangers lives, based on Torah which even effect affairs in its place and ingather the dispersed of Headed by the Moetzes Gedolei of daily life. As the clear ruling of the Code of Jewish Israel and the world will be filled with HaTorah of the World Agudath Israel Law, Orach Chaim, Ch. 329 regarding the knowledge of G-d. in Jerusalem, the Holy City, in Our Holy Among them, obviously, should be the Laws of Shabbos states, Heaven Land which will speedily be rebuilt by decisions having to do with current With deep respect and with blessings forbid, lest — our Righteous Moshiach. events — publicizing as much as for much success in all these matters; necessary the resolution of the Moetzes “The land become easy to conquer.” Greetings and Blessings! Awaiting Good News, Gedolei HaTorah of Elul, 5697 [1937], G-d, Who watches over His nation It was with great pleasure and gratitude which states: /Signed:/ Menachem Schneerson Yisroel, will protect each and every that I received your invitation, along “TheH oly Land which G-d established individual, whether in the Land of Israel with the attached agenda of theC entral according to its borders in the Holy or outside of it,

Belinov had a swollen foot, the doctor told her extremely vigilant in his medical care. of her family. When Moshiach comes, Continued from Page 10 it was an infection and that she might She remained his best friend and con- we will run to greet her. She left this have to go to the hospital. At that time, stant companion until the very end. world on Shabbos Parshat Vayetze, the study and Rambam, and say a she merited to go into Yechidus with seventh of Kislev, in which it says about great deal of Tehillim every day. Her Although she was getting weaker and the Rebbe. The Rebbe advised her to Yaakov Avinu, “pono hodo, pono zivo, father taught her the great importance her health had deteriorated, she still go to Dr. Seligson who told her it was pono hadoro” , glory departed, the shine of reciting Mishnayos. She used to continued to care for her children and just a spider bite. Her foot healed very departed, the elegance departed. recite Mishnayos for every member of grandchildren with great devotion. quickly. When the Rebbe distributed the family. She enjoyed nothing more than help- We should speedily witness “The ones dollars, Mrs. Belinov merited to get ing her family. Her family’s happiness who dwell in the dust will awaken and Rabbi and Mrs. Belinov gave a lot of extra attention from the Rebbe and was hers. rejoice” with Rabbi & Mrs. Belinov tzedaka. In France, they established received many extra dollars. Once, among them. and operated a Gemach, loan fund. she went to the Rebbe with one of her Mrs. Belinov was the crown and pillar Mrs. Belinov had many pushkas. She grandsons who went ahead of her. The loved to count the money and exchange Rebbe called her back and asked, “Is Mazal Tov the coins for bills and was enthusiastic that your einickle (grandchild)? You to Einikel Mordechai Greenberg (in the picture on page 10 ) about giving tzedakah to everyone and should have much Yiddishe and chas- who just became a choson this week every cause. sidishe nachas from him.” She always prepared extra food for When the Rebbe initiated the mivtza sier unexpected guests. Guests were always Yom Holedes (birthday campaign), Rachel Andru welcomed in her home with warmth Mrs. Belinov immediately followed s and plenty of food and attention. W hen the Rebbe’s request to the fullest. Seamstres titch Around! one of her neighbors in France became She prepared a beautiful yom holedes Best S ill and was hospitalized, she had no fabrengen for her birthday to which appetite and could not be coaxed into she invited all of her neighbors. Every eating. Mrs. Belinov prepared food word of the Rebbe was precious to her Don’t have the time or the skill to do your for her that was so tasty and attractive and she acted like a real soldier. alterations? For expert alterations and all that she succeeded in getting her to In later years, when Rabbi and Mrs. your sewing needs, to that extra special eat. Mrs. Belinov loved to help. She Belinov moved to Crown Heights, dress, for quick reliable service. fed mothers who just gave birth and Mrs. Belinov became an active partner helped prepare food for brissen and all in Mivtzoim. Indeed, she took great kinds of simchas. Same day service on all hems, pride in the fact that we were meeting Mrs. Belinov was always tolerant success doing the Rebbe’s work. She Pants $10 and accepting of people. She always would ask us, “Did you give out all of thanked people who did anything the brochures?” Mivtza Moshiach was Cuffed Pants $12 for her. Her home attendants were especially dear to her. Her hiskashrus Uniform hems, pleated $12, no pleats $10 not always the most competent. But to the Rebbe was so strong that, despite she appreciated whatever they did her advanced age and frailty, she took it for her and always thanked them and upon herself to prepare the whole Shab- treated them kindly. In the hospital, bos for her family so that her children nable Prices she thanked every doctor, nurse and would be free to go on Mivtzoim on Reaso attendant for every aspect of her care, Friday. even when it caused her pain. Quick & Rabbi and Mrs. Belinov came to the Reliable She was the epitome of tznius in dress United States in Adar 5758 /1998. and speech and was also practical and Although her husband was very sick, Rachel Andrusier had good common sense, “The fifth Mrs. Belinov was unbelievably devoted 407 Crown Street Shulchan Aruch.” to his care despite her own advanced Brooklyn, N.Y. 11225 x age and health problems. She had  Hems Mrs. Belinov corresponded regularly x Zipp infinite patience and would talk to Tel: (718) 756-5276 x ers with the Rebbe asking for advice or a Slee him all the time encouraging him in Cel: (917) 204-7950 x ves blessing and always received an answer. Gow different ways so that he might remain ns Whatever the Rebbe told her to do, as alert and active as possible. She was she did immediately. Once, when she 14 CROWN HEIGHTS Newspaper ~November 14, 2008

ʣ"ʱʡ



The Learning of the Month of Cheshvan is ʰ"ʲʬ ʷʩʰʥʩ ʤ"ʲ ʩʬʺʴʰ ʸ"ʡ ʸʲʡʥʣ 'ʸ ʺ"ʤʸʤ ʧ"ʤʸʤ Sponsored by his son Dovid & Family For Boys Grades 5-8 Sunday - Thursday

7:00 - 8:00 PM Sponsored Begins on Sunday 'ʣ ʥʰʸʥʣ ʠʩʹʰ ʸ"ʥʮʣʠ ʷ"ʫ ʺʥʫʦʬ ʯʤʫʤ ʸʩʠʮ ʭʥʬʹ 'ʸ ʺʡ ʤʷʡʸ ʤʸʹ ʰ" ʲʬʥ ʯʥʹʧ November 2nd

Official Yeshivas Erev ID card Receive specials in over 20 stores Sponsored by the Stores

Locations Lubavitcher Yeshiva - 570 Crown St. 3rd floor Beis Medrash Grade 7-8 Agudah Shul - 456 Crown St. Grade 5-6 Kahal Chasidim (ʦ"ʰʹ ʺʩʡ) - 1612 Carroll St. Grade 5-8

Swimming is a great low impact exercise! Come to the Rec-Center! NEW SCHEDULE - November 2008-

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY MOTZEI SHABBOS EVERYONE MEN: WOMEN: MEN: WOMEN: MEN: MUST HAVE 6:00PM - 8:00PM 6:00PM - 8:00PM 6:00PM - 8:00PM 6:00PM - 8:00PM 6:00PM - 8:00PM Girls Girls Boys A BATHING CAP Boys Boys 8:00PM - 8:45PM 8:00PM - 10:00PM 8:00PM - 10:00PM TO ENTER 8:00PM - 10:00PM 8:00PM - 10:00PM Aqua Aerobic Adult Women Men THE POOL! Men/Laps Men 8:45PM - 10:00PM Aerobics Women/Laps WOMEN: ADMISSION must be reserved in 6:30PM - 8:15PM CAPS AVAILABLE $2.00 Girls advance FOR PURCHASE 8:15PM - 10:00PM Aerobics Aerobics classes Women/Laps FOR $3.00 additional, Ahuva– 917 297 2917 not included Aqua Aerobics Devorah Leah - in admission 973 216 1188 Swimming Lessons: Boys: Call Shmuly 917 608 4545 - - Girls: Call Miriam 917 657 4353 For more information call 718-778-8610 After 6PM